India-Afghanistan ties: growing recognition and friendship 

October 13, 2025

Abhishek Vij

When the Taliban took power in Afghanistan, India did not recognize them. In August 2021, India withdrew officials from its embassy in Kabul. However, in June 2022, India maintained its political presence in Afghanistan, deploying a technical team. Much water has flown in the meantime. The Taliban government’s stance is now shifting India’s diplomatic stance. The Taliban government complains that Pakistan is carrying out airstrikes in its territory.

The Taliban has warned that Pakistan will face serious consequences. Pakistan maintains that it is only taking action against terrorists because the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan terrorist group operates from Afghanistan. Kabul has completely denied this. The Taliban has also categorically stated that it will not allow its soil to be used for any terrorist activities. It will not allow the US to occupy Bagram Airbase.

The situation is further evolving. Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaki, is currently on a week-long visit to India. He held discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to enhance mutual understanding. The outcome of this discussion is currently one of friendship, and India may later recognize the Taliban government. The Afghan Foreign Minister has already announced that the Indian Embassy will be reinstated in Kabul.

While Afghanistan desires friendly relations with India, it also seeks to corner Pakistan on the issue of terrorism. India’s desire to transform its relations with Afghanistan with an “enemy’s enemy is a friend” approach is not wrong. Following the bilateral talks between the two foreign ministers, India and Afghanistan have jointly announced the launch of six new projects.

The opening of the Indian Embassy in Afghanistan should not be considered unusual, as embassies of nearly a dozen countries, including Russia, China, Pakistan, and Turkey, operate from Kabul. Currently, only Russia has recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan. But given the evolving situation, it appears India will also move towards recognition. S. Jaishankar and Muttaqi have described the reopening of the embassy as a step towards lasting friendship between the two countries. India has expressed its commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.

Both countries are unanimous in their view that cross-border terrorism poses a threat to both countries and that they will fight it together. India has also begun to offer friendly gifts to Afghanistan, providing 20 ambulances, MRI and CT scan machines, cancer medications, and vaccination assistance.

Certainly, India is taking cautious steps towards improving relations. The current assistance is primarily humanitarian. In the ongoing talks between the two countries, only the flags of both countries are being waved, not symbols of recognition.

However, one can sense that the tone has shifted. Afghanistan has invited Indian companies to invest in its mining sector, an area that has been eyed by China and the United States. Following the US tariff war, India and Britain’s free trade agreement, and now the beginning of improving relations with Afghanistan, can be considered meaningful steps. India’s shifting its diplomacy and extending a helping hand to these small but strategically important countries is not without merit.